1. Metaphor: The locket is used as a metaphor for memories and the past. The speaker compares the locket to a "small safe," suggesting that it holds valuable and precious contents. This metaphor adds a sense of intimacy and personal significance to the poem.
2. Personification: The locket is given human qualities by describing it as "whispering" and having a "face." This personification brings the locket to life, making it seem like a confidant or a silent witness to the speaker's experiences.
3. Alliteration: The repetition of the "l" sound in words such as "locket," "little," "love," and "life" creates a soothing, lyrical effect. This alliteration adds musicality to the poem, reinforcing the theme of nostalgia and cherished memories.
4. Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid imagery that appeals to the senses. The speaker describes the "faded velvet" and "worn gold" of the locket, evoking a sense of age and history. The use of imagery enhances the poem's sensory experience, making it more immersive and relatable to the reader.
5. Symbolism: The locket itself is a symbol of love, memory, and the passage of time. It represents the tangible connection between the speaker and their past experiences, serving as a reminder of cherished moments and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.
6. Enjambment: The use of enjambment, where sentences run over from one line to the next without punctuation, creates a sense of fluidity and continuity. This technique reflects the flow of memories and the seamless connection between the past and the present in the speaker's mind.
Overall, the combination of these literary devices creates a rich and multilayered poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memories.